Traveling Naturalist: In-Classroom Programs

Severson Dells Nature Center offers a variety of programs which are designed to be done in the classroom. Descriptions of our programs are listed below. Our programs address several Next Generation Science Standards. All of our presentations include interactive, hands-on learning, therefore we limit our presentations to one class at a time.

Feel free to mix and match programs and grade levels.

We usually do these programs in December, January, February and March, but will do our best to accommodate your schedule.

If you have any questions, need more information or would like to schedule a Traveling Naturalist, please call Severson Dells Nature Center at 815-335-2915 or e-mail ellen@seversondells.org.

.Let us help bring Next Generation Science Standards to you.

All of our classroom presentations employ hands-on, interactive learning. We focus on helping students understand their connection to and influence over the natural world.

The Unhuggables

Pre-School and Kindergarten (30-35 minutes)

Familiar animals: skunks, raccoons and opossums provide a foundation for what is wild. Puppets, real furs and other props introduce young learners to the idea that wild animals can take care of themselves without depending on people as long as they have a suitable habitat. Teaches care and respect for all animals. (K-LS1-1, K-LS1.C, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3.A)

Room for Salamanders

Kindergarten-2nd Grade(30-40 minutes)

The children’s book, “Salamander Room” by Anne Mazer introduces students to the concept of habitat: that plants and animals have particular needs and live where those needs are met. Fun, engaging storytelling helps students predict what is best for our amphibian friends. (K-LS1-1,

All living things are dependent on one another and their surroundings. Despite being valuable members of earth’s ecosystems, bats are often misunderstood and even feared. Using skulls, sounds and replicas, students will recognize that bats are not the scary creatures that many people believe. Bats are facing more challenges than ever. Students will be able to determine some of the consequences if bats are allowed to vanish. (K-LS1-1, K-LS1.C, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS2.E, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3.A, K-ESS3-3, K-ESS3.C, 1-LS1.A, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS1.B, 1-LS1.D, 2-PS1.A,

Flying silently while using their ears and eyes to find food, owls are a significant link in the food chain. They are skillful hunters with many special tools. This program looks at owl adaptations and behaviors through use of mounted specimens, wings, pellets and sound recordings.

See! Hear! Move! Protect! Find Food! How do they do it? Frogs are perfectly adapted to survive in their habitat. Sounds, photos, even an experiment help students discover these unique abilities. Jump in and find out why frogs are fascinating. (1-LS1.A, 1-LS1.B, 1-LS1.D, 2-PS1.A,

Severson Dells Nature Center

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Our Mission: To link people to nature through education and research, in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. We promote awareness of the natural world, fostering respect, enjoyment, and preservation now and in the future.